Community Programs Assistant

City of Farmington•Farmington, NM

5d•Onsite

About The Position

Under general direction from the Community Programs Manager, this role assists in managing community-based events and special animal services programs, including foster, volunteer services, and rescue placements. The position also aids in the implementation and maintenance of community education and information programs, with a focus on the volunteer and foster program. The Community Programs Assistant performs other related work as necessary.

Requirements

Associates degree or equivalent required, bachelor's preferred.
Valid driver's license with acceptable driving record for the past three years or state of current residency.
Combination of education and training equivalent to and associates degree in public relations, marketing, non-profit program administration, or a related field preferred.
One (1) years of professional experience in a staff capacity interacting with the media and public community groups, agencies, citizens, and volunteer service programs.
Experience developing marketing materials and disseminating information.
Knowledge, skills and abilities should include community related methods and communication practices, marketing techniques, and public relations techniques.
Public education and community relations involvement techniques.
Modern office practices, methods and computer equipment; principles and procedures or record keeping, English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation, basic mathematical principles.
High level organizational and planning skills.
Excellent interpersonal skills in dealing with the public and staff; principles of supervision and teambuilding; experience working with volunteers.
Ability to type and enter data with appropriate speed and efficiency.
Comprehensive knowledge of alphabetical and numeric filing systems.
Ability to type 45 WPM and enter data correctly.
Working knowledge of personal computers, Internet, and software packages, including specific knowledge of MS Word and Excel.
Skill in the operation of the listed tools and equipment.
Ability to effectively communicate on a one-to-one basis with the public.
Ability to maintain effective working relationships with employees, other departments, officials, and the public.
Ability to maintain accurate records.
Ability to work independently to complete daily activities according to work schedule.
Ability to meet deadlines.
Must follow established protocols for volunteer and foster applicants.
Must be proficient with data entry and working with computers.
Ability to determine applicable fees, handle money, and issue receipts.
Ability to learn City ordinances and departmental procedures for handling calls and complaints.
Ability to learn adoption / release procedures and applicable fees.
This position has the responsibility to participate in and comply with the City's Environmental, Health, and Safety program.

Nice To Haves

Some experience in the realm of animal welfare, animal control, or veterinary services is preferred.
Breed identification is helpful and will need to be able to interact with the animals for picture taking.
Great customer service skills to include stressful circumstances.

Responsibilities

Assists in managing, planning, and coordination of all aspects of special and community based events programs, including off site adoptions, foster care, volunteer, rescue placements, community presentations and related services.
Assists in recruiting volunteers and foster families; orients personnel; maintains records; and refers volunteers to various sites and arranges for recognition events.
Assists in organizing programs and arrangements for special events; provides guidance, training and oversight to assigned staff and volunteers at events and programs.
Assists in the coordination of animal placement programs including transfers of animals to other shelters and rescue organizations.
Performs behavioral evaluations on animals to ensure proper placement.
Takes digital pictures of animals up for adoption and keeps websites updated.
Assists in the development of media/social media and print collateral and educational materials.
Assists with customer service including adoptions, reclaims, taking in strays and owner surrenders.
Assist with general management of the shelter and staff, must be willing to help direct and train staff.
Prepares monthly statistical reports on the various community programs sponsored by the department.
Operates a motor vehicle to assist in carrying out the business of the department and the City.
Performs general clerical duties, including filing, sending correspondences and preparing reports.
Maintains records and files of the Animal Shelter and the animals housed there.
Will be required to handle animals brought in by the public.
Must be comfortable working with animals with unknown temperament.
Must be comfortable with public speaking and working with the public.